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Glass Furnace Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PQ

Furnace Operator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

The Furnace Operator will be responsible for overall operations of the Furnace; which also include ... Batch dissolution of "glass" with hot water, steam, and a recirculation pump. * Transfer of batch ...

PQ

Furnace Operator

Joliet, IL

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

The Furnace Operator will be responsible for overall operations of the Furnace; which also include ... Batch dissolution of "glass" with hot water, steam, and a recirculation pump. * Transfer of batch ...

PQ

Furnace Operator

Joliet, IL

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

The Furnace Operator will be responsible for overall operations of the Furnace; which also include ... Batch dissolution of "glass" with hot water, steam, and a recirculation pump. * Transfer of batch ...

Ardagh Group

Batch & Furnace Manager

Henderson, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

The Batch and Furnace Manager is responsible for furnace, batch house, and raw material operations ... About Ardagh Group Ardagh Glass Packaging is a global leader in glass packaging solutions ...

ARDAGH GROUP

Batch & Furnace Manager

Henderson, NC

$16 - $19.75/hr

The Batch and Furnace Manager is responsible for furnace, batch house, and raw material ... About Ardagh Group Ardagh Glass Packaging is a global leader in glass packaging solutions ...

Ardagh Group

Batch & Furnace Manager

Bridgeton, NJ · On-site

$95K - $143K/yr

Work in partnership with the Production and Quality Managers to produce glass containers while ... Report any furnace or equipment issues to furnace operations team * Conducts periodic inspections ...

ARDAGH GROUP

Batch & Furnace Manager

Bridgeton, NJ

$95K - $143K/yr

Work in partnership with the Production and Quality Managers to produce glass containers while ... Report any furnace or equipment issues to furnace operations team * Conducts periodic inspections ...

ARDAGH GROUP

Batch & Furnace Manager

Bridgeton, NJ

$95K - $143K/yr

Work in partnership with the Production and Quality Managers to produce glass containers while ... Report any furnace or equipment issues to furnace operations team * Conducts periodic inspections ...

ARDAGH GROUP

Batch & Furnace Manager

Henderson, NC

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field Prior experience in glass furnace operations ... Prior experience managing a preventative maintenance program Benefits Offered: * Medical ...

Libbey

Furnace Tender

Toledo, OH · On-site

$23.77/hr

No matter what you do at Libbey, you contribute to the making of the finest glass and tabletop ... Monitor furnace operations, change setpoints, obtain glass samples, use oxygen-gas analyzer, take ...

libbey

Furnace Tender

Toledo, OH · On-site

$23.77/hr

Monitor furnace operations, change setpoints, obtain glass samples, use oxygen-gas analyzer, take optical temperature readings. * Adjust and clean burners, unplug cullet chutes, replace expendable ...

libbey

Furnace Tender

Toledo, OH · On-site

$23.77/hr

Monitor furnace operations, change setpoints, obtain glass samples, use oxygen-gas analyzer, take optical temperature readings. * Adjust and clean burners, unplug cullet chutes, replace expendable ...

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Glass Furnace information

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How much do glass furnace jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for glass furnace in the United States is $19.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Glass Furnace Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Glass Furnace Operator, you need knowledge of furnace operations, understanding of glass production processes, and often a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with temperature control systems, automated furnace controls, and safety protocols is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork help operators maintain quality and address issues quickly. These competencies ensure efficient, safe production and consistent product quality in demanding industrial environments.

What is the difference between Glass Furnace vs Melter Operator?

AspectGlass FurnaceMelter Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often required
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plant, often noisy and hot, with large equipmentIndustrial setting, working with molten glass and specialized equipment
Industry UsageUsed in glass manufacturing plants to produce molten glassOperates equipment that melts raw materials into glass in manufacturing

Both roles are essential in glass production, with Glass Furnace operators overseeing the furnace operation and Melter Operators focusing on the melting process. While their credentials and work environments are similar, their specific responsibilities differ within the glass manufacturing process.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by professionals operating a glass furnace, and how can they be managed?

Professionals operating a glass furnace often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent temperatures, ensuring uniform glass quality, and adhering to strict safety protocols due to the high heat and hazardous materials involved. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, teamwork with batch mixers and quality control staff, and regular maintenance checks on furnace equipment. Effective communication with supervisors and adherence to standard operating procedures are also crucial to minimize downtime and ensure a safe, efficient production environment.

What does a glass furnace operator do?

A glass furnace operator is responsible for overseeing the operation of furnaces used to melt and process raw materials into glass. This includes monitoring temperature controls, feeding the furnace with raw materials, and ensuring the quality and consistency of the molten glass. They also perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot equipment issues, and follow safety protocols to prevent accidents or damage. Their role is essential for the production of glass products in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and art.
What states have the most Glass Furnace jobs? States with the most job openings for Glass Furnace jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Glass Furnace jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Glass Furnace jobs are:
Glass Furnace jobs near you
Infographic showing various Glass Furnace job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $39,824 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Furnace Operator

Furnace Operator

PQ

Joliet, IL • On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Description
PQ is a leading global provider of silicates, silicas and derivative products. PQ's products are used in a wide variety of industrial processes and many customer products, from decorative paints to green cement, from clean drinking water to green tires and from toothpaste to biofuels and beer.
Ideal candidates resonate with PQ's Core Values of Integrity, Sustainability, People, Customer Focus and Safety. Successful employees embrace and model these values in their behaviors and actions.
Job Description
This position reports to the Unit Manager, in the absence of the Unit Manager it takes direction from a Manager. This is a rotating shift job, with rotation taking place currently once per week.
The Furnace Operator will be responsible for overall operations of the Furnace; which also include the glass dissolution batch vessels, filtration equipment, and auxiliary equipment and tanks associated with the Furnace and Dissolver area.
The process consists of the following:
  1. Feeding and controlling the Furnace at the proper temperature and desired production rate.
  2. Filling of dissolution vessels with sodium silicate "glass" from the Furnace via a slat conveyor, glass feed hopper, and rotating glass feeder.
  3. Batch dissolution of "glass" with hot water, steam, and a recirculation pump.
  4. Transfer of batch dissolution vessels to surge tanks.
  5. Transfer of silicate to storage tanks.
  6. Overall operation of the filter.
  7. Transfer of powdered silicates within the plant from storage bin to storage bin.
  8. Bulk loading of silicate products, both liquids and powders; bulk unloading of silicate plant raw materials; acting as a spotter of railcars and/or the operator of the trackmobile in a safe manner. Responsible for all paperwork associated with loading and unloading bulk shipments.

In addition, the Furnace Operator shall:
  1. Take samples, perform control tests and make changes, in the operation, as necessary to maintain product quality and production rates.
  2. The operator will obtain samples, as required by the Quality Control Laboratory, mark them properly, and deliver the samples to the lab.
  3. By frequent and thorough inspections of equipment, the operator will make sure it is operating properly; which includes oiling and lubing of equipment.
  4. The operator will perform minor repairs and adjustments as the need for them arises, and report promptly to the Unit Manager or Lead Person, any need for major repairs.
  5. The operator will give the Maintenance Department full cooperation whenever production equipment is broken down, and is to assist the Maintenance Department in every way possible, which includes writing work orders.
  6. The operator will be responsible for keeping their work area clean, orderly, and safe at all times. In addition, the operator will keep the safety of oneself and the safety of all those in the area uppermost in mind and will observe the proper safety procedures and wear the proper protective equipment.
  7. Cooperate with the relieving shift in passing on pertinent information for the successful performance of all operations, and ensure that all required tests and logs are properly obtained and recorded, along with any changes in operating conditions, repair, and adjustments.
  8. Monitor and maintain unattended plant operations as needed and assigned (i.e. utilities and effluent operation).

When no designated furnace work or dissolving work is scheduled, the Furnace Operator will be assigned to other work if such is available.
Lead shift operator activities:
Safety, Health and Environmental:
  • Conduct Safety Contacts with other employees if necessary.
  • Administer first aid and arrange for appropriate external emergency care as required.
  • Implement Plant Emergency procedures.
  • Conduct or assist in conducting accident investigations.
  • Complete work permits and authorize work requiring such.
  • Ensure all safety, health, environmental and housekeeping standards are understood and followed.

Operational:
  • Ensure all plant processes, systems and auxiliary equipment are operating to standard, including start-ups, shutdowns, and on-going operations.
  • Conduct call-outs for maintenance personnel, operations personnel, or laboratory personnel to ensure required coverage.
  • Collect data and complete various production logs, reports, or records (electronic, paper, or otherwise) as assigned.
  • Conduct or direct inspections (equipment, work areas, etc), inventories, and/or audits as required.
  • Direct work force (internal or external) as required.
  • Train or assist with training of new or existing employees.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required Education & Experience
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • 1+ years experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment (chemical, glass, furnace, utilities, bulk handling, filtration, or similar) preferred.
  • Prior experience operating or monitoring process equipment such as furnaces, dissolvers/tanks, pumps, conveyors, filters, steam/hot water systems, and bulk load-out systems strongly preferred.
  • Ability to:
    • Read and follow SOPs, work instructions, and operating parameters
    • Perform basic process calculations and recordkeeping (rates, levels, temperatures, pressures, flow, etc.)
    • Recognize abnormal operating conditions and take corrective action within operator scope

Additional Information
EHS Responsibilities
  • Communicates, promotes and personally demonstrates Safety/Health (including PQP Principles) as #1 priority
  • Participation in risk assessment audits as applicable
  • Understand PQ Principles (PQP) and how they are implemented in the site organization, rules and procedures
  • Completes HSE training requirements identified for the job in a timely manner

PQ is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. Click on the link to read Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (eeoc.gov). For more information, please review the link Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal / U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov).
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About PQ

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Valley Forge, PA, US

Year founded

1831

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